The effect of perioperative proton pump inhibitors on the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula following total laryngectomy : a prospective randomized controlled trial

Purpose/Objectives:Radiation therapy has become the primary treatment modality for cancer of the pharynx and larynx in many institutions in the United States. In patients with recurrent head and neck cancer that have failed radiation with or without chemotherapy, salvage surgery is the preferred treatment modality for curative intent. Salvage surgery in the post radiation setting is a significant undertaking frequently requiring major ablative and reconstructive efforts. We sought to identify patient and treatment related factors that could help predict outcomes from salvage surgery for recurrent/persistent squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx.